General – Page 12 – Coronavirus (COVID-19)

January 11, 2021 by Duane Morris

Florida Legislators Introduce Bills That Would Impose Strict Prerequisites to Bringing COVID-19 Personal Injury Claims

On January 6, 2021, Florida legislators introduced a pair of bills—H.B. 7 in the Florida House and S.B. 72 in the Florida Senate—intended to address civil liability for damages for personal injuries relating to COVID-19. (In a previous Alert, we discussed the Associated Industries of Florida’s recommendation for the state to address legal liability.) As described below, the bills would impose strict pleading, filing and proof requirements on plaintiffs pursuing COVID-19-related actions; shield from liability defendants who attempted to comply with applicable health standards and guidelines; and establish a framework for courts to quickly dispose of spurious claims.

To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.

January 11, 2021 by Duane Morris

Inauguration 2021: Anticipated Government Policy Updates and Changes Regarding COVID-19 Concerns

Duane Morris will be hosting the webinar, “Inauguration 2021: Anticipated Government Policy Updates and Changes Regarding COVID-19 Concerns,” on January 28, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern.

This is the first 2021 session of the Duane Morris COVID-19: Navigating Forward Webinar Series. For more information and the registration link, please visit the firm website.

January 5, 2021 by Duane Morris

California’s COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Law: No Longer Effective, but Employers Beware

On September 9, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom enacted a law requiring all California employers with more than 500 employees, as well as certain industries exempted from the Families First Coronavirus Recovery Act (FFCRA), to provide up to 80 hours of supplemental paid sick leave to employees for COVID-related reasons. This law was set to sunset on the later of December 31, 2020, or upon the expiration of any extension of Emergency Paid Sick Leave under the FFCRA. As Congress has not extended the federal Emergency Paid Sick Leave requirements, California’s supplemental paid sick leave requirements are no longer effective as of January 1, 2021.

To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.

January 5, 2021 by Duane Morris

Pandemic Relief Extension for Employers and Employees: Enough to Stem the Tide? Perhaps for the Short Term

In response to the country’s continued battle with the COVID-19 pandemic, in late December, Congress passed and the president signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA). The CAA extends the deadlines for various relief programs in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act and its progeny. This development brings some welcome news for both employers and employees, though the incoming administration has all but assured changes are on the horizon.

To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.

January 4, 2021 by Duane Morris

New Year, New Rules: Status of COVID-19 Leave Laws for New York Employers in 2021

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) partially sunset as of December 31, 2020. Employers are no longer required to provide FFCRA leave to employees. For New York employers, though, their responsibilities under Senate Bill 8091, which guarantees certain leave, benefits and job protections to employees affected by COVID-19, remain in full force.

To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.

January 4, 2021 by Duane Morris

Presidential Proclamations Suspending Entry of Certain Immigrants and Nonimmigrants Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Extended

On December 31, 2020, President Trump issued a new proclamation extending to March 31, 2021, the application of the prior Proclamation 10014 (suspending entry of certain immigrants) and Proclamation 10052 (suspending entry of certain nonimmigrants) to protect the U.S. labor market.

To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.

January 4, 2021 by Duane Morris

Transportation Industry Receives Billions in COVID-19 Financial Assistance in December Relief Bill

On December 21, 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (CAA), signed by President Trump on December 27, 2020, which provides more than $45 billion in critical financial assistance to the transportation industry, one of the industries most distressed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar to the CARES Act, the stimulus bill passed earlier in 2020, financial assistance in the CAA comes in the form of grants that are available until expended, with varying stipulations and assurances from the federal government attached. The primary beneficiaries under the CAA include airlines, public transit agencies and transportation service providers.

To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.

December 31, 2020 by Duane Morris

COVID-19 Stimulus Legislation Contains Several Animal-Related Provisions

In addition to financial relief measures for those individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the omnibus spending legislation that President Trump signed on December 27, 2020 (H.R. 133 – Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021), contains several provisions related to animals.

To read the full text from Duane Morris partner John M. Simpson, please visit the Duane Morris Animal Law Developments Blog.

December 31, 2020December 31, 2020 by Duane Morris

Philadelphia Bucks State Loosening of COVID-19 Restrictions on January 4, Extends Restrictions until January 15

Notwithstanding Pennsylvania’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions as of 8 a.m. on January 4, 2021, Philadelphia has opted to extend restrictions on indoor dining, theaters, casinos and other indoor events until January 15, 2021, due to expectations regarding the holiday season.

To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris partner Brad Molotsky, please visit the Duane Morris Opportunity Zones Blog.

December 31, 2020March 2, 2021 by Duane Morris

Pennsylvania Space Limit Orders to Lapse on January 4, Previous Restrictions Still in Place

On December 30, 2020, PA announced that the time-limited mitigation orders put in place on Dec. 12 will expire at 8 a.m., Jan. 4 as planned.

To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris partner Brad Molotsky, please visit the Duane Morris Opportunity Zones Blog.